...“I’ve always driven by Bates, ever since I was a little kid,” Flaherty said. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come here. It’s a great school.”

“I’m loving the football here, especially,” Flaherty added.

Flaherty played slotback his first two seasons at Bates. He saw action in three games as a freshman in 2015, and carried the ball three times for 19 yards. He played in all eight games in 2016, and again had three carries.

This season, as a diveback, Flaherty has 36 carries for 131 yards. He has played in seven of Bates’ eight games (he missed one with an injury). After splitting time most of the season with Peter Boyer, Flaherty has taken over the starting job since an injury ended Boyer’s season last month.

“It’s rewarding. It’s definitely rewarding,” Flaherty said. “The past two years have been a grind in the offseason. You’re lifting, running five days a week, just trying to get better. It’s definitely great to get on the field and see some playing time.”